A few weeks ago, we focused on cadet commanders and how they can work to improve in their role. But what about the rest of the team? Whether you’re a freshman or a senior, these guidelines should help you become the best drill team member you can be! Remember – it’s not always about you. It’s about the TEAM!
1. Be Helpful!
Even if you’ve been on the team for several years, be the first to volunteer to help. Remember, there is no job too menial and don’t take on the mentality that you’re “above” any particular task. Our best drill team cadets were the ones who actively volunteered to help at every turn. Be a servant leader that others can count on to be there for the team. If you’re brand new, volunteer for everything! Don’t miss an opportunity or corps event. Get involved and make yourself as useful as you can. No matter how much experience you have, everyone respects someone who is always available to lend a hand!
2. Be a Resource!
This one goes out to all the returning drill team cadets out there. If you see someone on the team struggling, rather than lord your talent over them or belittle them, be the kind of leader that takes time out of their day to help them. See someone struggling to learn to spin? Volunteer to help them out. Someone confused on certain commands? Work with them. Use what you’ve learned to grow and mentor those around you. Everyone respects someone who is willing to go out of their way to be a resource to the team. All of our Coaches remember that one upperclassman who went out of their way to help them in a time of need. Be that person to someone else.
3. Refuse the Rumor Mill!
Rumors and drama are a natural consequence of bringing so many diverse people together so closely for such a long period of time. As such, you can be the first line of defense in stopping drama that might otherwise cripple the team. While everyone needs to vent their feelings once and a while, you can be the one to put a stop to any passive aggressive behavior or rumor starting. The easiest way? Simply refuse to engage in negative conversation about someone else on the team. You could start your reply with something as simple as, “Have you talked to them about this issue?” Imagine a drill team where everyone actively worked to PREVENT drama instead of giving into the temptation to indulge and spread it.
4. Grow a Thick Skin!
Things aren’t always going to go your way. You’re going to get passed over for jobs you may be qualified for. You’re going to get less than you feel you rate. You’re going to feel overlooked, let down, and under-appreciated. Someone else is going to get credit for your hard work. The biggest lessons in JROTC and on drill team sometimes come from how you respond to these situations. Work hard because it’s the right thing to do for those around you, not to earn recognition or rank. Serve others to earn their respect, not to attain a particular position. Sometimes, things on drill team aren’t fair. But if you can grow a thick skin, accept it for what it is, and continue to be a positive force for good, you will have a MUCH better experience overall!
5. Be Coachable!
Talent and experience aren’t the primary qualities of an amazing drill team cadet. The willingness of each cadet to be coached and to take constructive criticism and apply it (see point 4) are the hallmarks of the best drill team cadets. Don’t ever assume you know it all. Take criticism and apply it. Be willing to put aside your personal ego and pride for the betterment of the group. A coachable drill team cadet is one who never needs to be told the same thing twice. They never talk back to anyone. Instead, they wait until the appropriate time to address any grievances privately. Too often, we forget that no amount of talent or ability can replace a good attitude and the team needs a cadet with great attitude before they need one with great talent.
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